September 2007Naim X Series SystemA different way to travel... by using the system
approach.
CD-5x CD Player,
NAC-122x Remote Preamplifier,
Stageline Phono Preamplifier,
NAP-150x Power Amplifier,
Flatcap 2x Power SupplyReview By Nels FerreClick here to e-mail reviewer

Lately, I have noticed that very
few music lovers own a single brand system and have wondered why. This review of
the Naim CD-5x CD player, NAC-122x remote preamplifier, Stageline phono preamplifier, NAP-150x
power amplifier, and Flatcap 2x power supply will cover this single-branded
idea. One of the great things about a mix and match brands component system is
that it allows one to get the sound and features they desire. When everything
falls together as is hoped it is great, but it can just as easily go wrong.
Brand X amplifier doesn't play well with well with Brand Y preamplifier, and
Brand Z CD player doesn't like Brand X or Brand Y. This leads to disappointment
and frustration, and possibly to expensive equipment changes.

On the other hand, a music lover could buy a single or nearly
single brand system and be pretty much guaranteed of compatibility, as the
components from a single manufacturer are designed to work together. Back in the
late '80s into the late '90's I ran a system like this. Specifically, a Harman Kardon
Citation amplifier, preamplifier, and tuner plus top-of-the-line Harman Kardon
CD player. Enjoyed it for ten years with great reliability and there were no
matching issues. Although I no longer own any of those components, and my system
is now comprised of components from a wide variety of manufacturers, I still see
the advantages of buying all of the components from the same manufacturer.

The Naim GameAlthough Naim has been in business for 35 years, they seem to
be just a bit on the edge of high-end here in the United States. Naim Audio is established but not
mainstream. Have read various reviews of Naim gear over the years
but had never personally known anyone who owned any Naim gear, nor had I ever
visited a Naim dealer. There was something
special when it came to Naim and when I got an
e-mail offering the opportunity to review not one piece of Naim equipment, but a
full compliment of Naim electronics, I jumped at the opportunity.

Thinking Outside The BoxNaim USA sent a full compliment of Naim electronics, namely
(ahem) the NAP-150x 50 watt per channel power amplifier ($1750) along with the
NAC-122x Remote Line Stage ($1550) and the Stageline N Phono Stage ($485.) CD
playback was handled by the CD-5x CD player, which also features HDCD capability
($3250.)

Here is where the weirdness begins as the folks at Naim
obviously think outside the box. I'm not sure they even see a box to
begin with. With nearly any other manufacturer, all one would need to add to a
CD player, preamplifier and power amplifier to make music would be cables to
wire everything together and a pair of speakers and Shazam, a working music
system! And so you do with Naim as well... however their journey takes a slightly
different route. The NAC-122x preamplifier and the Stageline N Phono Stage have
no internal power supplies, they get their power from connections to the
NAP-150X. (Those who purchase the Stageline N a la carte get a wall wart.)

As an option, and
highly recommended, is the Flatcap2x Power
Supply ($1150) which provided juice for the preamplifier and phono stage for the
duration of the review. Color me embarrassed because it was included along with
the other components provided by Naim USA, and because the preamplifier and
phono stage have no built in power supplies, I assumed that the Flatcap 2x was
required.

Thinking about it, it makes perfect sense as the power
supplies are isolated from the sensitive audio circuits of the preamplifier and
phono stage. A nice touch is the ability to add to the built in power supply of
the CD-5x to increase its performance. This is a feature I would like to see
with more audio gear. The components can be run as is or an uprated power supply added
for those who desire an increase in performance. I can't imagine anyone who
wouldn't add the Flatcap 2x, but for those who are a bit pinched financially,
they can start with the NAC-122x and NAP 150x to later add on to the system as
funds allow.

Connecting the gear together is an exercise in
unconventionality as well, for Naim does not use RCA cables for making audio
connections. Instead, they use a combination of DIN cables and SNAICs — a modified DIN
cable used exclusively by Naim. Although not difficult to work with, their use
did require me to refer to the connection diagrams more than a few times. This
is something I have not done in many years. It made me consider what novice music
lovers must go through when connecting a more conventional system. It wasn't
difficult and when the connections were made they made perfect sense once I "wrapped my head" around their logic.

I received the following e-mail from Chris Koster, Vice
President of Sales for Naim USA:

"The great part of the two box preamp and amp solution is that one
gets the benefit of an integrated amp, which, if designed correctly, operates in harmony as a whole due to simpler grounding, with the
benefits of separates, which is lower noise with higher power and heat dissipation. The single ground connection of the 4 pin SNAIC
cable is that the level grounding is guaranteed by the single ground connection.

The Flatcap2x has two large ultra-quiet regulators, and
the 5 pin SNAIC cable that comes included with the supply carries:
-left channel
-right channel
-ground
-24 volts that powers the input stages of the preamp
-24 volts that powers the later stages of the preamp.

By adding a Flatcap2x as an "optional" upgrade
to the preamp and amp (and CD player and, by extension, the attached phono
stage via the extra purity of power coming into the preamp), one removes
the intermodulation distortion that occurs between the early and late
stages of the preamp, which, along with the ultra-low noise performance inherent
in the design of the Flatcap2x, gives an excellent return on investment."

I could not have said it better myself.

There are some additional advantages to the DIN/SNAIC
arrangement: because both audio channels are connected with a single cable,
there are fewer cables overall in a Naim setup. Because the cables are supplied
by Naim, one can be assured that these cables are designed to be a good sonic
fit. One won't muck up the sound with the "wrong" cable in a Naim system,
something that is easily done with RCAs.

The downside? Should one want to connect a component from
another manufacturer to the preamplifier, a DIN to RCA adapter cable may be
required. Actually, there are a two pairs of RCA inputs as well as a pair of
outputs, marked "Subwoofer." The rub is that if a Naim phono preamplifier
and CD player are both used, they override the RCA inputs, making them unusable.
Those who won't be running more than 1 other Naim source component will have use
of at least 1 pair of inputs.

Rounding out the system were a pair of eight-foot NCA5 speaker
cables ($364) as well as a Wiremold 9 way power strip (although only 3
connections are needed- $80.) Don't think about using your favorite speaker
cables in a Naim system, as the terminations are different on both ends, a sort
of modified banana plug. One last DIN to DIN cable ($215) is needed to make the
extra connection between the CD-5x and the Flatcap 2x Power Supply. The grand
total for all of these goodies is a cool $8844.

The SetupThe remaining players in the system were my SOTA Star Series
III vacuum platter turntable ($2500) fitted with a modified Rega RB-250 arm
($399) and a Denon DL-110 moving coil cartridge ($150). I would have liked to
use my Dynavector DV-20XL ($695) but it was out for a rebuild/upgrade. Speakers
were the excellent ART Stiletto 6 Loudspeakers from Scotland ($5,000/pair,
review forthcoming.) I did not use any type of power conditioners or surge
protectors, as Naim does not recommend them. Despite my fear of disaster due to
lightning strike or power surge, as I live in Florida, which is the lightning strike
capital of the world, I ran the system the way they shipped it.

Decided to use the ART Stiletto 6 for the duration of the
review for a few different reasons. First, I had listened to them enough with my
own gear and developed a good sense of their strengths, which are many,
as well as their faults, which are few. I found them to be an excellent sonic
fit with the Naim gear. Furthermore, their price fits right in line with what I
would expect someone buying this system to spend, as well as in the range a
dealer might choose to demonstrate the system.

Additionally, the ART Loudspeakers Stiletto 6 is a superior loudspeaker
to the Infinitys that I have owned since 1993. Rated at 88.5dB/W/m, they are a
good electrical match to the 50-watt per channel Naim NAP-150x. It made sense to
use the best speaker that I had available to me at the time.As the equipment was shipped to be reviewed as a system, I
resisted the temptation to use the CD-5x in my reference system.

First ImpressionsPicked up the system from the shipping agent early on a
Saturday morning and set it up while my wife was asleep. I was immediately
impressed with its understated elegance. The appearance of the gear exudes
quality and refinement along with a healthy dose of British reserve. Gazing
across the room at the system, I couldn't help but be reminded of another
British icon. That being the legendary luxury automobile manufacturer Rolls Royce. It seems that if one is shopping for a Roller and
inquires about horsepower, the answer will be "Sufficient." That says it all
about Naim as well, everything is designed with a purpose in mind, everything
one needs and nothing one does not. It doesn't draw attention to itself (unlike
a Rolls Royce) yet when it is noticed, it whispers quality. It is far too
refined to scream it.

When my wife awoke, her first reaction was a rapid-fire
rat-tat-tat of monologue that went something like this, "Wow that sure looks
hot! How much is it? How long do we get to borrow it? Wow, That looks great! Can
we keep it? Sounds fantastic! Nine grand? That's not too bad, are you sure we
can't keep it? I really really like it!" I realize she mentioned the
appearance of the equipment more than once. Note that she was an art major in
college so definitely places an accent on the visual aspects of things. Note to
self: Wife Acceptance Factor... check!

The system was uneventful in use with one
exception, as the CD
drawer on the CD-5x manually pivots on one side. Because no
motors are involved, the CD-5x should have above average reliability. I had seen
pictures of the CD-5x both on line and in print, so I knew what to expect.
However in use, my first reaction was literally "Whoa, funky!" I quickly got
used to it. Like the rest of the system, it just makes sense.

The other aspect that was a bit different with the Naim system
was that it appears to be designed to be left on at all times. All of the power
switches are on the rear panels and the remote did not have a power button. I
didn't see a problem with this as the gear was always "warm" and ready to
use. The system sounded a bit better after being powered up for an hour anyway,
more open, more articulate. My power bill was slightly elevated with the Naim
gear, but its arrival also coincided with the arrival of our first triple digit
heat wave so I doubt the gear was the cause. For my own piece of mind, I did
unplug it when we left on vacation. I really didn't want to have to explain any
mishaps with lightning to the guys at Naim... "Ummm, Chris? This is Nels...."

Another nice feature, although I seldom use it, is remote
control. The remote that comes with the NAC-122x preamplifier is a full system
remote, which will control other Naim components. The nice touch is that the identical remote is included with the CD-5x
CD player, giving a Naim system owner a spare in case of a malfunction or
mishap. Ask me about my two nearly identical cordless phones, identical except
for the Boxer tooth marks all over one of them.

Sounds Like... MusicThose of you who have been following my reviews (both here and
elsewhere) will know that I am a "tube" guy. I hesitate to use the term "hardcore" although some may not. I do not believe I fall into that category
because I do not go the "new old stock" route. Simply can't see the value in
using expensive tubes, which will eventually wear out. This is unlike my
feelings on expensive phono cartridges, which, although they will suffer the
effects of stylus wear, can be rebuilt for a reasonable sum.Why the mention of tubes in a review of a solid-state
system? Because the very reasons I prefer tubes to solid state, emotional
involvement with the music, purity of tone, and a sense of real musicians
performing music. The Naim system did, and in some instances, did better than
my reference system.

The term PRAT (Pace, Rhythm and Timing) often comes up
in reviews of British gear, a term that the British often use. American
reviewers often note if the system got their toes tapping, and the Naim/ART
Loudspeakers system certainly did. One of the most telling tracks I can think of
is the title track from Los Lobos' 1990 release The Neighborhood. [Warner
Brothers 075992613125] With systems that excel in PRAT, it is easy to lock onto
the rhythm of the track. With systems that fall short, the beat of the tune is
evasive. Its as if the band were slightly drunk, at times, with other systems.
This track has reminded me of the opening scene of "The Jerk" with Steve Martin
as he lays in bed listening to music, yet humorously the viewer discovers
he has absolutely no sense of rhythm. This wasn't the case with Naim in the house.

The system tonally was as neutral as one could hope for.
I recently slammed Virgin Records' LP reissue of The Rolling Stones' Exile on
Main Street. [Virgin LP 7243-8-47864-1-0] as have played this album every time
I made a change to to my system since it was purchased. Every time it was played
i came away disappointed, as it was muffled, dark, closed in, and the highs were rolled off.
Keep in mind I have owned this album for several years and have heard it
through many combinations of gear. Was pleasantly surprised listening through
the Naim/ART Loudspeakers setup. While not the audiophile version I had hoped
for, it was now more enjoyable and no longer felt as if I had wasted $45.
The ART Loudspeakers are brighter than my own, to be sure, though have heard the
album through other speakers and the album had always disappointed. It can't be
the cartridge loading of the Stageline N either, as Exile was at least
approaching neutrality, then every other LP would be bright to the point of ear
bleeding. This was not the case as other great sounding LPs sounded excellent.

Bass was tight and tuneful as well. A recent purchase of the U.K. import Limited Edition 3 LP set of The Best of Depeche
Mode [Motel
15.0094637507414] Side A opens with "Personal Jesus," one of their biggest
hits. The bass line pounds the track throughout. Regardless of the fact that
the Naim amplifier had only 50 watts on tap, there seemed to be plenty of
headroom. That's not to say that someone with a larger, more acoustically dead
room than mine may want more power as Naim does offer larger amplifiers for those who
need them. The NAP-150x did sound larger and more dynamic than its modest power
rating would indicate.

The CD-5x made CDs sound smoother, with less of the
artifacts that I feel make digital inferior to analog. What I really enjoyed
was the HDCD capability. One of my favorite HDCD encoded discs is Chris Isaac's Baja
Sessions. [Reprise 093624632528]. The opening track "Pretty Girls Don't
Cry" showed the systems sound staging capability with Isaac well in front of
a small combo strumming his acoustic guitar. This system throws a believable
sonic image with softer music. Louder music will, of course, require more
sensitive speakers or a more amplifier power.The CD-5x, like the rest of the system, was
a joy to use. One of
my favorite features of the CD-5x, besides the funky pivoting drawer and HDCD
capability, was the display. It can be set to stay on continuously or only turn
on for a second or two when changing tracks and remaining dark otherwise. This
is how I kept it set. When I listen to music I don't want to be distracted by
the equipment.

My favorite aspect of the system was it's smoothness combined
with excellent resolution. Found myself pawing through both my CD and LP
collection time and again pulling out many old favorites. In many instances not the
ones with the best sonics. Enjoyed some of my favorites like Jamaican
Ska from the late '60's for example, while taking less notice of the warts
inherent in the recordings. The Naim system was well rounded. What's the point
of a system that only pleases with a handful of recordings?

ConclusionTo
say that I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Naim system would be a
massive understatement. I found the gear to be quite attractive, intuitive in
use, and excellent performance. This is a system that could please both the "Hi-Fi
Nut" as well as those not similarly afflicted who want a great
sounding system that looks both elegant and non-intrusive at the same time. Can quite easily picture my wife's parents enjoying this system in their home,
although they would never spend the cash. My wife is a different matter
altogether. When we move from our condominium into a house she insists that one
of our first purchases for our new home will be a stack of Naim gear for the
living room. I'm sure we will both use it quite often. Her plan sounds like a
great plan to me! I am all for it. Very highly recommended.

Tonality

Sub-bass (10Hz - 60Hz)

Mid-bass (80Hz - 200Hz)

Midrange (200Hz - 3,000Hz)

High-frequencies (3,000Hz on up)

Attack

Decay

Inner Resolution

Soundscape width front

Soundscape width rear

Soundscape
depth behind speakers

Soundscape extension into the room

Imaging

Fit And Finish

Enjoyment

Value for the Money

Manufacturer CommentsDear Nels and staff at Enjoy the Music.com,

It's rare that a US publication will review a complete system from one
brand..., which makes life a little harder for a company that engineers things this way! So firstly, all of us at NaimUSA and Naim UK wholeheartedly applauds
the staff and Nels for making this commitment. Thank you.

As for the review, Nels' direct-to-the-musicality analysis is right on target. He understood
Naim's core values right out of the box... and what's more, this is the initial separates system in the Naim range.

The fact that Naim is a valve lover's solid-state dream is not lost on many Naim owners over the past 35 years either. Running a Naim system longer term is inexpensive, and yes the power usage at standby is negligible. Reliability and longevity are certainly Naim strengths. On that note, I will comment that we are currently examining power strips that offer some storm protection with minimal power compromises, as an option for those who require it.

Nels' enthusiasm for music matches ours, and I am ready to buy some of the discs he talks about!
It's always a delight when someone understands that Naim is not about hi-fi,
it's about the music.